Excellent eyebrows, waxing and facial a must. I look so wonderful after working with yelena read more

Best facial I've ever had! Yelena was extremely knowledgeable, genuine and did an amazing job. Excited I found someone that will be my go-to! read more

Went there a few days before my wedding for my (first) eyebrow and Brazillian wax. I explained my situation when I made the appointment and the receptionist recommended an appointment with one specific woman (and when I find her card, I'll update this review!) She started out offering me a glass of water, talked to me about the procedure, calmed me down and took care of business. Yes, it hurt, but not as bad as I had thought and the results were great. I will be returning. The only reason why I chose to post four stars rather than five is because of the price of the eyebrow wax. Yes, she looked at what I had, made a recommendation for how to grow it a certain way and then waxed, but I didn't feel it was worth the price that they charge ($35) and will find an alternate place for future brow waxings. read more

I love visiting spas. Even though I've only been to this place just once, I've recieved only the most exclusive attention. I pre-informed them I was very nervous of waxing, but I was going through with the full leg anyway. Oksana was really nice and gentle. She was professional and kept to the interpersonal topics. She gave great advice of my skincare regimen, keenly aware to not pass any judgement. Specs: The wax they use here comes in the form a roll-on, and they use muslin strips to take them off. Very clean, it won't burn you, and speedy process. I was done in no time. Be extra smily to JoAnn the receptionist and she'll give you some cool samples. read more

Yelena is very talented and has a wall of framed accolades. She's the only person I will go to now, I've seen a handful of facialists over the last 7 years I don't think I would characterize Yelena as being brusque (saw this in other reviews) . Yes she gets down to business quickly, but I like that. She was very patient with me when I started panicking during the glycolic peel (it was burning because I had a very aggressive extraction session), she fanned me the entire time and was very empathetic My first recovery period with her was 3 days (I hadn't gotten a facial since I moved to SF over the summer, it was pretty bad) so that was expected. I read in another review, the expression "got hit in the face with a cactus". Now, the recovery period is 24 hours She did sell me some products, which I was very reluctant to buy (have spent a lot of money and hope on products over the years), but I actually really like them, and will buy them again once I run out. She books up weeks in advance so you'll need to make an appointment read more

This post is long overdue! Yelena is THE miracle worker. I saw Yelena for 2 years and never had any breakouts with her facials. Gifted when it comes to extractions and she used this amazing salicylic peel on me that did wonders. Recovery time was never more than 2 days max. To this day, I still make appointments to see her whenever i"m in SF (she is just that good!). Also, if you are looking for someone to craft an amazing brow, this is the spot! She is also a wonderful woman and will give you some of the best advice you can ask for! read more

Came in on a spontaneous Friday afternoon after work since I had a few hours to kill before I met up with a friend and Yelena had a last-minute cancellation. As soon as I walked in the door, Yelena didn't mince any words and showed me to the treatment room right away. This might appeal to those who prefer the no-nonsense approach to getting these things done, but not so much to those who like the whole ritualistic approach of being offered tea or water or sitting in a waiting area while the aesthetician preps the room, etc. I wasn't in any particular rush but didn't feel any need for the whole spa show so I didn't really care. The bed in the treatment room was AWESOME. I'm not kidding. It might be even better than my bed and I think very highly of my bed. It was the first spa bed that I'd ever laid in that completely cradled your body and had a blanket that was more plush than my comforter at home. Nap time! Err, not really. Not as soon as the extractions started, that is. I understand that extractions are sometimes a necessary evil but geez!! These extractions hurt like a mother! I didn't think that my skin was THAT bad... :-( The foot massage sorta made up for the horrendously painful extractions. The whole foot massage part was a nice surprise since I'd never had a facial that threw in a foot massage (FYI, she did wash her hands before going back to my face). The fact that the facial included brow shaping was also a nice perk. I left a little traumatized by the extractions but reasonably satisfied by everything else. That is, until I met up with my friend and while we were window shopping, she said "Ohhh... You have some blue stuff on the side of your face..." Turns out there were little streaks of leftover face goop on my face. Embarrassing much? read more

When I came last month to Yelena's, I was in the process of moving to Los Angeles and needed a fresh new look. My face had felt worn with lots of build up and in need of some gentle & thorough care...and I received exactly what I needed. My esthetician Joanne was super cute and very professional. She made me feel very relaxed, and her room was calming. I felt like I could lay there all day receiving treatments!!! It has been two weeks since my treatment and I continue to see my skin improving...it's amazing and makes me feel confident and relieved. If you come to Yelena's Spa, make an appointment with Joanne, I know I will every time I visit San Francisco! Thanks Joanne!! :) V read more

I love Yelena's. I'm a guy who doesnt have much experience with Spa's but I have no reason to go anywhere else. The extraction process for facials is relatively painless. My face feels so clean and fresh when I leave and that way for the next 2 weeks. Joann gives me a lot of information on how to keep my face clean after that to make the results really last. Im a guy so Im not totally in to buying a whole lot of products and all that. But I can honestly say that getting a facial (spa treatment) is not just for women or metros, you'll love the reults. You'll also really like the whole aura of the facilities and location with it being a block away from Union Square, so there's always available parking and of course The Cheesecake Factory nearby. read more

Joanne is the best! She has helped clear my breakout-prone skin. I have been seeing her for about a year in preparation for my wedding three months ago. I can't see myself getting a facial anywhere else now. Though pricey, definitely worth it. Joanne also did my makeup for my wedding day and did an excellent job. I will continue seeing her despite the price because she is just that good! read more

I love Yelena's Spa! Yelena does a wonderful job with my facials! And as a facial plastic surgeon I pay close attention to detail regarding my face. In addition to being relaxing, it's always very thorough and my face feels much healthier and looks better afterwards. Enjoy! read more

I've been going to Yelena's Spa for over two years now and still have not found anyone as superb as Oksana. Every single time I have gotten a perfect eyebrow or bikini wax and have never gotten burned or redness afterward. I also love the Yelena Signature Facial that is completely specified to your skin. The spa is also conveniently located downtown right next to Union Square and is easy to get to after shopping or during your lunch hour. I never feel pressured into buying products, but when I have they have always been fabulous and worked perfectly with my skin. I recommend Yelena's to all my friends and many have become just as much as an addict as me. In fact, I recently moved to NYC and still have not found anyone I like as much as Oksana and routinely visit the salon as soon as I can on business trips back to SF. read more

Excellent facial! Oksana did my facial and my skin was glowing after. After a few weeks, my skin only got better and healthier. Would definitely recommend! read more

I have been going to Yelena's spa for almost 4 years now. So it's a shame I haven't written earlier. I am a devotee of Oksana as are many of the girls in my office. I am constantly referring people there because of the complements I get about the services they provide me. Overall I go here for excellent service and expertise. I am splitting my review into three: EYEBROWS, BIKINI WAX, and FACIAL, if you're looking specifcs on either one. EYEBROW WAX: There is one complement I get over and over....you have amazing eyebrows. I do, I really do. Genetics aside though, there is always a great aesthetician behind a great eyebrow and all credit is due to Oksana. She is meticulous and very detailed about designing the shape of your brows which really matters in terms of giving your eyebrows a clean, smart look. The thing is their eyebrow wax is costs a little more ($30-35); it's not a $12 wax you can get at your mani-pedi shop so that can take away from the fabulousness of the service a bit if you're not into the price. I've been getting my eyebrows done since I was 13 years old religiously every 3-4 weeks, so I can tell you this is an awesome eyebrow wax, but it can be pricey if you aren't connoisseur like me, but hey my eyebrows look perfect after Oksna is through. A note: their eyebrow wax is included in their signature facial so it's a good way to average things out if you get facials regularly. BIKINI WAX: Again, they are experts at Yelena's. Especially if you are considering getting something like brazilian or even something more daring like a sphinx for the first time. I agree with the other review they make you very comfortable about the whole experience and they are fast so its over quickly, use good products that make the wax pull off easily, and are meticulous about shape (I know, but its important -you're paying for it after all). Trust me its good to have a really decisive and efficient Russian woman at the helm of such work. Again, not your pull the curtain closed at the mani-pedi place wax job, so it's more expensive. FACIALS: I have acne, but you'd never know it. I have had a million facials at a million different places over the years to keep on top of my acne and the Signature Facial at Yelena's is the best I've had. One reason: Value. A lot is included in the signature facial: an eyebrow wax, a hydroxy peel, a real 10-15 minute massage, plus all the normal stuff like deep cleaning and masks and stuff all customized to your skin type. Try adding up all those items ala carte an dyou will see what I mean about value. It's $140 for the signature facial, back out the eyebrow cost ($35) and I think that's really reasonable for a great service. read more

I've had facials that went so poorly that I walked out of the salon looking like I was beaten with a cactus. And I've had facials that left me feeling very satisfied. But Yelena's Spa is different. I was delighted - overjoyed - after the 75 minutes of 'Signature Facial'. Thanks to Melissa Kastil, I've never looked better. read more

For the price, this place would have to be a WHOLE LOT more special. I love Eastern European estheticians because they really clean your skin, but this was a tad too agressive even for my taste (am not a wimp, and like I said, I like a good cleaning) and just all around not spectacular. The esthetician spent about 30 mins of the facial outside of the room. Now, for $140, that is just not acceptable. Btw, I had scheduled the classic facial and got charged for the signature one - I did not want eyebrow shaping and did not get it either - but also did not want to complain after the fact since she did take 75 minutes. Btw, just read Spa G.'s review and it rang surprisingly true to what I experienced. read more

Great eye brow shaping by Yelena (the owner), awesome facials and waxing....

Joanne is the best esthetician I've ever had! I don't have a naturally great looking skin, but she turned it to look so. I've been going there since March, in preparation for my wedding in August. By August I had a radiant, flawless skin. I usually get the Signature Facial which includes eyebrows - I got many compliments for my eyebrows by the way - and last time I tried the oxygen facial. It is a little pricy but it's worth trying it, especially before a special event when you want to look great. Joanne is very nice and gentle, she never rushes through the process, and makes sure that you are walking out flawless and happy. read more

Like most of us, I've been to a million facialists, but I've never found one that I loved enough to include in my beauty regimen. I'd heard wonderful things about Yelena, so this week I booked at appointment for her signature facial. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the staff was very down to earth. Yelena gave me an amazing facial - not to mention a fantastic neck massage. I left looking and feeling ten times better. Despite the fact that the late client before me made my treatment begin 15 minutes late, I thought it was worth every penny and I'm going back next month! read more

I can't say enough about my favorite spa in S.F.!!!! Walking into Yelena's, I'm always greeted by beautiful smiles and positive attitudes. Joann Lim is my personal esthetician, and I couldn't imagine anybody else touching my skin! Her gentle touch and calm demeanor makes even the worst of waxes a pleasant experience!! The beautiful Oksana is also very skilled. Yelena herself is always full of warm laughs and makes you feel at home. I would recommend Yelana's to anyone in need of a good skin treatment! read more

Hands down the best place to get your brows done and well worth the price. Yelena gives the perfect brow shape every time. The facials will leave you feeling refreshed and glowing. I highly recommend this spa. read more

Just came from Yelena office, it is so nice and comfortable, the nail care room has so much light. There is a nice atmosphere throughout this spa. read more

I just moved to San Francisco last year and Yelena is right around the corner from my work....She is AMAZING. I love the way she shapes my brows...her place is always clean, she is always on time, she is wonderful to talk to and be around....and you know she genuinely cares about the work she does. I will not go anywhere else but here! read more

I found my new SkinCoach!!! Yelena. I loved my facial and thank you so much for explaining me in detail how I can improve taking care of my skin and your product suggestions!!! I will see you in 6 weeks for my next treatment! read more

Palease. If you want to lounge in a robe and watch candles burn before your facial, go to a big spa in a hotel and suffer a crappy facial. Yelena's is not about that. She knows skin and her facials are a real treat---once you get past the extractions. She gives AMAZING foot, hand, and neck massages as well. I've been a client for 5 years now and every time I've gotten a facial, I've left with much better skin--even when I've had bouts of rosacea. I would definitely recommend Yelena! read more

I've been going to Yelena for over 8 years for brow shaping and facials. This positive review is long overdue! On my first visit, I explained having a traumatic experience with a past eyebrow wax (I broke out for days after), so Yelena used tweezers...and continued using tweezers on me ever since. I've tried other aestheticians but returned to Yelena as I always feel better after a brow session and refreshed after a facial session. read more

I have had facials most of my life dealing with acne - so it is easy for me to compare Yelena's work with many other places around the world. Yelena is a real pro. Quick to respond for booking, great conversation, and extremely thorough in her examination of my skin. She makes sure to take care of every little detail she sees and goes the extra mile to ensure your comfort each step of the way. Not pushy to sell products after the treatment like other places in the past that made me uncomfortable. I wish I lived here, this would be my new spa. Keep it up Yelena! read more

Yelena is the best! I have been going here for over 10 years. Best eyebrows in town! I am very fussy about my eyebrows because they are thick and most other places make them too thin. With Yelena, I get compliments on my brows all the time. Yelena is super quick with waxing other areas, which minimizes any pain, and she is very thorough. Her facials are fabulous. Yelena put me on a skin care regime that cleared up my acne and keeps my skin looking great! And I have a skin condition, but she is a pro that knows just what to do. And have you had a pedicure there? They are a bit pricey compared to other places, but offer a pedicure unlike any I have had anywhere else. They use special tools to get all the dead skin off are give the most thorough experience I have every had. They make everything else look like an expensive polish change. Go here for the best waxing, facial and pedicure in town! read more

Yelena is fantastic. She helps take care of my skin and my facials leave me relaxed and my skin glowing. I am a regular, highly recommend. Thanks, Yelena! read more

I have been going to Yelena for nearly 10 years and she has transformed my skin. Her facials are absolutely incredible and she does the best brows I've ever seen. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment. You will never go anywhere else! read more

I discovered this spa because they sell Eminence moisturizer which I use... I felt like I received mediocre service at this spa although I did suffer slight scarring and some breaking out the following week. Not good at a facial-- it means the technician was too harsh on your skin, not sanitary or they couldn't define compatible products for your skin! Yelena is located in Union Square in that weird building filled with Eastern European facialists and seamstresses. It's very old school which means that accommodations are hardly plush. Their bathroom-- shared in the corridor with other businesses is beneath a staircase and boxed in by a post. This is not a true day spa with lounging areas and aromatherapy candles everywhere. I received my facial from Oksana who was friendly and chatty which helped distract me from the urban scene below-- the facial table is located beside a window that faces geary street. I felt like "charlotte" from SATC when she tried to go to accupuncture and could only focus on the traffic noise several stories below. Though Oksana was nice, she did not explain to me what she was applying onto my face and when, wherein I could have prevented her from using a product that made my face breakout. Althought facialists are trained, I don't think anyone can determine everything about your skins likes and dislikes by simply examing you with the naked eye for several seconds. She barely asked me questions about my skin. The prices are reasonable for Union Square and SF, and they sell top of the line skincare products, but I'll make the rounds on a few oldies and try some new ones before I go back. read more

The customer service at this place is completely horrible, the girl Jo ann is not only rude but not helpful at all.. its unfortunate that Yelena's receptionist is this way because yelena was such a great facialist but beacuse of their poor customer service i will not be returning to this spa ever again. And i warn everyone else to be very careful abou this place. read more

I found this place searching for reviews online, therefore I was expecting something great. Service was fine , but definitely not what i expected. My eyebrows were done fine, but I had to ask the lady to make it a little more even. It seemed like she was in a hurry or something. My cousin who came with me definitely did not like this place. The cleaning for her pedicure was not exactly perfect (which for the price it should be). We had made an appointment for a manicure and a pedicure, but since we were a little behind schedule, we decided to just go with the pedicure and forget the manicure. When we were paying at the end, the receptionist was actually about to charge us for the 55$ manicure we never got! Although we did not get charged (because the owner was there), and I understand that it is their policy, I wonder what kind of service is that? There are definitely other salons that will give me better service, and will probably cost less too. I learned that high price does not necessarily mean good quality. read more

Yelena's is one is one the many reasons I love Yelp. I would never have found this place if it hadn't been for the great and accurate reviews people have been giving this day spa. I went there yesterday to get my eyebrows designed. It was a first for me and I must admit that I nervous about being given monstrous pencial thin brows. The result is fabulous though!! My eyeborws are actually symmetrical now and the girl who was doing them was really clear about what I needed to do to maintain the shape. I had to take away one star because her first question was, "So, do you get facials?" When I answered "No", she said, "Well, you should. You have A LOT of congestion around this area." Hmmmm, I thought, I didn't come here for you to tell me I had terrible skin and need a $100 facial every month that I can't afford. I just want my bloody eyebrows plucked. Soon after I went into monosyllabic mode when she grilled me about me skincare regime she gave up trying to sell me their products and just chatted. This little hiccup does not detract from the totally awesome job she made of my brows. Two thumbs up for this place. I'll definitely be going back. read more

Went here as a birthday present from the girlfriend at the time a couple of months ago. This place is definitely has a more down to earth group of employees. I loved the full body massage, I can't remember her name now, but she is the lady with really short hair. I didn't think she'd right off the bat give as much force as I usually like, but it was perfect for me. And this lady could talk about anything and everything, and not in an annoying way at all, and made me feel really comfortable. The facial was also awesome. For a guy who normally never gets his eyebrows waxed, then all of a sudden I find a strip over them, I won't lie, a little bit of panic did set in. She definitely sensed my apprehension and soothed me over. "Yes yes, don't worry, just cleaning them up a bit, won't even be able to tell they've been waxed." Well as soon as my manliness was reassured in staying intact I enjoyed it thoroughly. Only complaint was that during the facial the extractions were quite a bit more rough then previous times I've had them, and can definitely say that wasn't my favorite part. Good place though, the lady who performed the facial was Melissa I believe. read more

The absolute best facial experience I've ever had the pleasure of having. The immediate results says it all. Yelena's shaping of my brows was amazing and although the thorough extractions were somewhat uncomfortable, I just can't argue with the results. I was NOT "marked-up" with any red spots, etc. and was able to go back to my office. The spa table was super comfy and cozy...I could definately sleep on that table! The cost IS pricey, but you will not be disappointed. read more

I went to Yelena's on the recommendation of a friend who'd been going to there for years and couldn't be more pleased. They're definitely not the cheapest place around, but Oksana does a good job with the brazilian waxes (still slightly uncomfortable process but what can you expect when you're contorted on a table half naked), the brow design in EXCELLENT and the facials are pretty darn good too. Highly recommended. read more

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, YELENA'S!!! My skin had always been problematic and sensitive until Yelena put me on a regimen of cleaning and peels and I finally feel confident about my skin! I have the radiant skin I have been hoping for! In fact all the estheticians are great - Oksana, Joanne, they all help me when Yelena is booked! I recommend this spa to EVERYONE!! read more

Yelena is amazing ! My eyebrows never looked better. She takes time and shapes them perfectly. I would not go to anyone else!

Having worked in the spa industry for most of my career, I have had many different treatments by some of the most elite estheticians in the city. However, after coming to Yelenas I'm convinced I've found the best! The moment I walked in, I was pleased to be greeted with a very warm smile, a la Yelena! She introduced me to my lovely and talented esthetician- Joann. Now, like I said before... I've been worked on by some of the best in the city but this girl is AMAZING! Her level of professionalism is impeccible as well as her techniques (and make-up)- and her charming personality puts you at complete and udder ease. Joann explained that for my brazilian, she would be using a new wax that would actually be less painful than the wax that I was used to... I was a little hesitant at first but she flashed that big smile and reassured me all was fine. Low and behold, the girl was right! I couldn't believe how quick and EASY it was! I actually was so impressed and excited that I wanted to see what else Joann had up her sleeve. Seeing as how it was a Saturday afternoon I figured it was a long shot that she'd be available for an add-on... but she was! Thoroughly stoked at this point, Joann preps me for a lash tint and brow wax. Again, she was super gentle and explained the entire process ( I like this because it shows she knows what she's doing to my eyeballs... they are kind of important!). My brows have NEVER looked better and I no longer have to wear mascara! Seriously, Joann is phenomenal! And the moment I left the salon, it seemed like everywhere I went... head's were definitely turning! I heart Joann! read more